Sahakari Spice Plantation and Old Goa Church Tour in Private Car
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It’s always refreshing to go off the beaten track at times and a tour of Sahakari Spice Farm, Ponda, helps you do just that. You get to learn about the various spices used in Goan and Indian Cuisine, and you also get to sample an authentic home-cooked Goan meal in delightful rustic surroundings where the food is cooked and served in earthenware. Lunch is served on banana leaves.
Sahakari Spice Plantation Tour :
Your day begins at 12 pm with a pick up in a private car from your hotel in North Goa (Calangute, Baga, Arpora, Nagoa, Nerul, Candolim, or Sinquerim). You will then head to Curti, Ponda to the Sahakari Spice Farm.
The Sahakari Spice Farm is located in the midst of lush green surroundings at Curti, in the taluka of Ponda. The farm was made up of 4.5 hectares of cultivation and 55 hectares of barren land in the year 1979/80.
The Sahakari Farm is used to impart knowledge to locals and tourists about the different spices and herbs, the medicinal values and properties of these spices and herbs. They also harvest rainwater during the rains to conserve water and save on excess consumption.
It is an ideal place for relaxation. An exotic aroma of the various genuine spices permeates the air. You can indulge in a delectable traditional, authentic, Goan lunch.
The guided tour and lunch costs 450 INR per person. This fee is paid on the spot and is not included in the Tour package price. While you are here you can watch traditional Goan Folk Dances. You can also bathe an elephant and go on an elephant ride for 350 INR per person.
Visit to Old Goa :
Once you have completed your tour of Sahakari Spice Farm you will head back to your hotel after a tour of Old Goa (Velha Goa), the capital of Goa during the Portuguese rule. This place is packed with history. Old Goa was abandoned in 1775 and Panjim (Nova Goa - New Goa) was then made capital.
You will visit the famous churches. Basilica do Bom Jesus holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa. The Feast of St. Francis Xavier is on the 3rd of December and people come from across the border to pay homage to the saint. This is one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in India.
Sé Cathedral de Santa Catarina, is in the same area as Basilica do Bom Jesu. This church was built in honour of St. Catherine (or Sant Catarina as she is known by in Portuguese), to memorialize the victory of Afonso de Albuquerque over a Muslim army in 1510. The architectural style of this church is Portuguese-Manueline. The exterior is Tuscan and the interior is Corinthian.
The last church in the area is St. Francis of Assisi Church. This church and convent were established in 1661 by eight Portuguese Franciscan friars who landed in Goa in 1517. The Franciscan convent was converted into a museum in 1964 and was reorganized in 1982. The museum was set up by ASI (Archaeological Survey of India). The museum is open on all days of the week except Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The final stop in Old Goa is the ruins of St. Augustine’s Tower. The Old Goa Church tour ends here. The St. Augustine’s church was constructed in 1602 by Augustinian friars who arrived in Goa in 1597. The church and monastery were abandoned in 1835 when the plague broke out in the area. The tower collapsed in 1842 due to neglect. The church’s bell was moved to The Immaculate conception church in 1871. Out of the four towers that were built only one remains. Recent excavations have proved that there were eight chapels, four altars, and a convent.
Please avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless clothes if you choose to enter places of worship.
Tour Includes and Excludes :
The Sahakari Spice Farm and Old Goa Tour in a Private Car begins at 12 pm and ends at 5 pm. You will be dropped off at your hotel. The cost of this educational and fun-filled tour cost begins at 2499 INR by private vehicle. Breakfast, lunch, mineral water, beverages, Elephant Ride and Shower are not included.
Include :
- Private Car to Spice Plantation
- Visit to Old Goa Churches and Tower
Optional :
- Elephant Shower / Ride @ Rs. 350/- per person to be paid on the spot
Exclude :
- Guided Tour & Lunch at Spice Plantation @ Rs. 450 per person
- Breakfast
- Mineral Water & Beverages
Please carry a bottle of water with you and light snacks if you wish to eat something during the 1 hour drive. Since it begins at midday the weather will be hot so please carry your sunhat/ cap, sunblock lotion, and wear light cotton clothes. Wear shoes that are comfortable because you will be doing a lot of walking. Please make sure you keep yourself hydrated at all times.
This tour is available from January to December. It will be an enjoyable day for a couple, a family with children, or a group of friends.
To ensure that you get to go on The Sahakari Spice Farm and Old Goa Churches Tour, please make your booking in advance.
Note :
- Rate of INR 2499/- is based only from pickup areas in North Goa like Calangute, Baga, Arpora, Nagoa, Candolim, Sinquerim and Nerul Area. For other areas in North Goa not mentioned here, will be charged as per the location and kms.
- Pick and Drop from South Goa areas is not provided by us.
- The rate currently displayed is for the sedan based vehicle. For higher category vehicle, the rates will differ and charged accordingly.
- Kindly have your breakfast at your resort / hotel or carry it along to have on the way.
- Do not forget to carry your rain wear or umbrella during monsoon season.
- Entry fees not included in the cost kindly pay it on site.